Container and blank therefor

ABSTRACT

A container is provided which is formed from a blank of foldable sheet material. The container has foldably connected panels which define a tubular member. Closure flaps are foldably connected at one end of certain of said panels and cooperate therewith to close said one end of the tubular member. A first closure flap is connected to one panel and overlies the end of the tubular member. A second closure flap is connected to a second panel, disposed next to the one panel, and is provided with foldably connected triangular sections arranged in overlapping face-toface relation. The folded triangular sections overlie the exposed surface of the first flap. One of the triangular sections is foldably connected to the first flap. A third closure flap is connected to a third panel, disposed next to the second panel, and is also provided with foldably connected triangular sections arranged in overlapping face-to-face relation. The latter sections overlie the exposed surface of the first flap. One of the third flap sections is foldably connected to one of the second flap sections. A fourth closure flap is foldably connected to the third flap and is angularly disposed with respect thereto and effects retention of the first, second, and third flaps in end-closing relation.

[ CONTAINER AND BLANK THEREFOR Terrill L. Nederveld, Neffsville, Pa.

[73] Assignee: Packaging Corporation of America,

Evanston, Ill.

22 Filed: Nov. 16, 1971 21 Appl. No.: 199,278

[75] inventor:

[52] US. Cl 229/40, 229/38, 229/87 R [51] Int. Cl B65d 5/02, 865d 65/00 [58] Field of Search 229/37 R, 37 E, 38, 229/39 R, 39 B, 40, 87 R, 87 B, 87 F [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,613,025 10/1952 Ringler 229/40 1,998,637 4/1935 Radley et al.... 229/37 R 1,391,551 9/1921 Low 229/87 F 921,197 5/1909 Zell 229/40 2,775,397 12/1956 Vogt 229/87 F 2,047,804 7/1936 Shapiro.... 229/37 R 1,175,738 3/1916 Fischer 229/40 Primary ExaminerGeorge E. Lowrance Assistant Examiner-Stephen Marcus Attorney-Albert H. Pendleton, Arthur A. Olson et al.

[451 July 3,1973

[57] ABSTRACT A container is provided which is formed from a blank of foldable sheet material. The container has foldably connected panels which define a tubular member. Closure flaps are foldably connected at one end of certain of said panels and cooperate therewith to close said one end of the tubular member. A first closure flap is connected to one panel and overlies the end of the tubular member. A second closure flap is connected to a second panel, disposed next to the one panel, and is provided with foldably connected triangular sections arranged in overlapping face-to-face relation. The folded triangular sections overlie the exposed surface of the first flap. One of the triangular sections is foldably connected to the first flap. A third closure flap is connected to a third panel, disposed next to the second panel, and is also provided with foldably connected triangular sections arranged in overlapping face-to-face relation. The latter sections overlie the exposed surface of the first flap. One of the third flap sections is foldably connected to one of the second flap sections. A fourth closure flap is foldably connected to the third flap and is angularly disposed with respect thereto and effects retention of the first, second, and third flaps in endclosing relation.

l2 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures Patented July 3, 1973 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG-I Patented July 3, 1973 3,743,171

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 CONTAINER AND BLANK THEREFOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In many packaging situations, glue pots, heavy duty staplers, and the like are not readily available when closing the container. Furthermore, because of the size and shape of the accommodated product, the container therefor is not suitable to be closed by automatic or semi-automatic equipment. In view of this fact, manual closing of the container must be a simple manipulation, not requiring unusual skill or strength. In addition to being readily closed, the container must provide adequate protection for the accommodated product and not accidentally open when the loaded container is subjected to normal handling.

In many instances the entire contents of the package are not removed therefrom at one time and, as a result, effective reclosing of the container is most desirable. Where the container is mutilated, when initially opened, reclosing thereof becomes an awkward and frustrating operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Thus, it is an object of this invention to provide a folding container which is sturdy and can be readily closed either manually or mechanically without the need for glue pots, staplers, and the like.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a container formed from a blank of simple configuration and requiring a minimum of blank material.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a container wherein the closed end thereof is substantially of multi-thickness of material and thus, provides added strength and protection at the closed end of the container.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a container of one-piece construction having the end thereof capable of being readily reclosed.

Further and additional objects will appear from the description, accompanying drawings, and appended claims.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a container of one-piece construction is provided which has a plurality of foldably connected panels arranged to form a tubular member. Disposed at one end of the panels and foldably connected to certain of said panels are end closure flaps. A first closure flap is connected to a first one of the panels and overlies the tubular member end. A second closure flap is connected to an adjacent second panel and is provided with a pair of foldably connected triangular sections arranged in overlapping face-to-face relation. The second flap is folded so as to overlie the first flap. One of the triangular sections is foldably connected to the first flap. A third flap is connected to an adjacent third panel and is also provided with a pair of foldably connected triangular sections arranged in overlapping face-to-face relation. The third flap is folded so as to overlie the first flap. One of the triangular sections of the third flap is foldably connected to the second flap. A fourth flap is connected to the third flap and is folded relative thereto to effect retention of the first, second, and third flaps in end-closing relation.

DESCRIPTION For a more complete understanding of the invention reference should be made to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary top plan view of one form of the container blank.

FIGS. 26 are fragmentary perspective views showing the preferred, successive steps of folding the end closure flaps of the blank of FIG. 1 to form a closed container.

FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 1, but showing a modified form of container blank.

FIGS. 8-1l are similar to FIGS. 25, respectively, and show the preferred, successive steps of folding the end closure flaps of the blank of FIG. 7.

FIGS. l213 are similar to FIGS. 10 and 11, respectively, but showing a modified manner of folding the blank of FIG. 7.

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary top plan view of a third form of a container blank.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 6, one embodiment of the improved container 20 is shown which is formed from the blank 21 of foldable sheet material seenin FIG. 1. A suitable material for the blank may be double-faced corrugated fiberboard, or the like.

The blank 21 includes a plurality of elongated panels 22, 23, 24, and 25 foldably connected to one another and arranged in side-by-side relation. The adjacent panels are separated from one another by a plurality of spaced, substantially parallel foldlines 26a, 26b, and 260. When blank 21 is set up to form container 20, the panels cooperate with one another to form a tubular member. The shape and size of the panels will depend upon the type of product being accommodated in the container.

Disposed at one or both ends of the panels are a plurality of end closure flaps 27, 28, 30, and 31. Only the closure flaps at one end of the panels are shown in FIG. 1. A like set of end closure flaps may be provided, if desired, at the opposite end of the panels.

Flap 27 is of rectangular configuration and has one side thereof foldably connected at 32 to the end of panel 22. Flap 27 extends longitudinally of panel 22 prior to the blank being set up.

Flap 28 is provided with a diagonally extending foldline 33 which forms the flap into a pair of right-angle triangular sections 28a and 28b of like configuration. The hypotenuse of each section is defined by foldline 33. One side of section 28a is foldably connected to flap 27 at 34. Foldlines 26a and 34 and coaxially aligned. Section 28b, on the other hand, has a side thereof connected by foldline 35 to the corresponding end of panel 23.

Flap 30, like flap 28, is provided with a diagonally extending foldline 36 which forms the flap into a pair of right-angle triangular sections 30a and 30b of like configuration. The hypotenuse of each section is defined by foldline 36. One side of section 30a is connected by foldline 37 to the third side of section 28b. Section 30b has a second side thereof connected by foldline 38 to the corresponding end of panel 24. Foldlines 32, 35, and 38 are coaxially aligned and are disposed normal to foldlines 2611, b, and c. Foldline 37, on the other hand, is coaxially aligned with foldline 26b which separates panels 23 and 24.

Flap 31 is foldably connected at 40 to the third side of flap section 30b and extends laterally therefrom. Flap 31 is longitudinally aligned with panel 25, but is separated therefrom by a cut 41.

A preferred way of setting up bland 21 to form container 20 is shown in FIGS. 2-5. First, the blank 21 is folded to a channel-like configuration A, as seen in FIG. 2. In this condition, panel 23 and flap 28 remain flat and form the base. Panel 22 and flap 27 are folded as a unit to an upright position and form one leg of the channel. Likewise, panels 24 and 25 and flaps 30 and 31 are folded as a unit to an upright position and form a second leg of the channel. While the blank assumes position A, the product, not shown, may be spotted on panel 23 between the legs of the channel. Panels 23, 22, and 24, while in the position shown in FIG. 2, form the bottom and sides, respectively, of the tubular member.

Once the blank has assumed position A and has been loaded, force is than exerted in the direction shown by arrow I on flap 27 causing same to fold inwardly about foldline 32 so as to assume a position B wherein it spans one end of the channel, see FIG. 3. Because one side of flap 27 is connected by foldline 34 to triangular section 28a of flap 28, the section 28a will be automatically folded by flap 27 about diagonal foldline 33 into an overlapping superposed, or face-to-face, relation with triangular section 28b. While flap 27 is being moved to position B, flaps 30 and 31 and section 28b remain at rest.

In order for the closure flaps to assume position C, as seen in FIG. 4, it is necessary that a force be applied to the end of foldline 37 in a direction as shown by arrow II, see FIG. 3. Such force applied in this manner will cause superposed sections 28a and b to fold as a unit about foldlines 34 and 35, respectively, to an upright position, which, in turn, will cause section 30a to fold relative to section 30b and the latter to move to a laterally extending position relative to panel 24. Once the section 30b has assumed its lateral position, sections 30a and b are disposed in face-to-face relation. Flap 31 folds as a unit with section 30b and also assumes a comparable lateral position, as seen in FIG. 4.

Once the closure flaps have assumed position C, as seen in FIG. 4, a force is applied in the direction of arrow III, see FIG. 4, causing superposed sections 30a and b and flap 31 to fold as a unit about foldlines 37 and 38, respectively, until the sections 30a and b overlie previously folded superposed sections 28a and b and flap 27. Flap 31 is then folded inwardly about foldline 40. FIG. shows the closure flaps in position D.

The final step of set up is accomplished by applying a force to panel 25 in the direction of arrow IV, see FIG. 5, causing same to be folded about foldline 26c to a right-angle position relative to panels 22 and 24. A tape of strip 42 is then applied to the exposed surfaces of panels 22 and 25 so as to retain the panels in their tubular member-forming positions. Once panel 25 has assumed the position shown in FIG. 6, flap 31 will be in frictional engagement wich the concealed surface of panel 25, and thus, will retain the closure flaps in their end-closing positions. It will be noted in FIG. 6 that the closure flaps form a closed end with a substantial portion thereof of multi-ply thickness.

Modified blank 121, shown in FIG. 7, is similar in many respects to the configuration of blank 21 and for this reason corresponding parts of blank 121 are numbered the same as. those of blank 21, except in the 100 series. Blank 1211s provided with a fifth panel 143 which is connected by foldline 126d to the edge of panel 122 opposite panel 123. In addition to panel 143, there is also provided an additional closure flap 144, which is connected by foldline 145 to flap 127 and extends laterally therefrom. Flap 144 is longitudinally aligned with respect to panel 143, but is separated therefrom by a cut 146. In the illustrated embodiment, closure flaps 131 and 144 are of like configuration.

The folding sequence for the closure flaps of blank 121 may be identical to that previously described with regard to blank 21. The basic folding steps to be followed with blank 121 are shown in FIGS. 8 -11, respectively. The principal differences in folding blanks 21 and 121 are that flaps 131 and 144 are folded inwardly as a unit prior to panels 143 and 125 being folded into overlapping relation. Panels 143 and 125 provide a double-thickness side wall for the container.

Instead of having flaps 131 and 144 in overlapping relation, flap 144 may be folded inwardly and then downwardly so that it is in face-to-face relation with the concealed surface of flap 127 and thus, assure that all portions of the container end wall are at least of double thickness of material. 1

FIGS. 12 and 13 show a modified way in which the blank 121 may be folded. Initially, the blank is folded to the position as shown in FIG. 9. Once the blank has assumed the position shown in FIG. 9, a force is then applied in the direction of arrow V, see FIG. 9, which causes triangular section b to be folded inwardly about foldline 138 so as to overlie flap 127. Simultaneously with the folding of section 13%; (a) section 130a is folded about diagonal foldline. 136 into overlying relation with respect to section 130b; and (b) triangular sections 128a and 128b are folded upwardly as a unit into overlying relation with respect to section 130a causing flap section 128b to be exposed, see FIG. 12. As seen in FIG. 9, sections 128a and b have assumed a superposed position before being folded upwardly. Once the sections are in the position shown in FIG. 12, flap 131 is folded outwardly and downwardly about foldline and the lower portion of the flap 131 is tucked into a pocket P, formed between sections 130a and 128a. Flap 144, on the other hand, is folded inwardly into the interior of the tubular member, see FIG. 13, and is subsequently overlapped by the panels 125 and 143. The manner of folding blank 121, as disclosed in FIGS. 10 and 11, is preferred to that shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.

FIG. 14 discloses a modified blank 221 which is of the same configuration as blank 121, except that a narrow glue panel 243 has been substituted for the full-size panel 143. Likewise, a narrow tuck flap 244 has been substituted for the closure flap 144. The advantage of blank 221 over blank 121 is the savings in material costs.

As aforenoted, the size and shape of the blank will depend upon the type of product being packaged. The end closure flaps are capable of remaining in a closed position without the need of being glued, stapled, or otherwise secured together. The end of the container may be readily opened and reclosed without mutilating the container or its contents. The blank for the improved container may be readily formed on conventional slotter and scoring equipment and with no material waste.

I claim:

I. A container comprising foldably connected panels forming a tubular member, means for retaining said panels in tubular member-forming relation, and closure flaps foldably connected to predetermined panels and closing one end of said tubular member; said closure flaps including a first flap connected to a first panel and extending transversely therefrom and overlying said one end; a second flap connected to a second panel disposed next to said first panel, said second flap having a first pair of triangular sections disposed in overlapping face-to-face relation, one of said triangular sections being foldably connected to said first flap; a third flap connected to a third panel next to said second panel, said third flap having a second pair of triangular sections disposed in overlapping face-to-face relation, one of said second pair of triangular sections being foldably connected to the other of said first pair of triangular sections, one pair of triangular sections being sandwiched between said first flap and the other pair of triangular sections; and a fourth flap foldably connected only to the said third flap and folded relative to said second pair of triangular sections to retain said first, second, and third closure flaps in end-closing relation.

2. The container of claim 1 wherein corresponding closure flaps of like configuration are foldably connected to the opposite ends of said predetermined panels and close the opposite end of said tubular member.

3. The container of claim 1 wherein said folded fourth flap extends into the interior of said tubular member and frictionally engages the interior surface of a panel.

4. The container of claim 3 wherein said closure flaps may be unfolded relative to one another to provide access to the interior of said tubular member and then refolded to effect reclosing of said tubular member one end.

5. The container of claim 1 including a fifth closure flap foldably connected to said first closure flap and extending into the interior of said tubular member.

6. The container of claim 1 wherein the triangular sections of a pair are like right-angle triangles disposed in coincident face-to-face relation.

7. A blank of foldable sheet material for use in forming a container closed at least at one end thereof, said blank comprising a plurality of panels arranged in sideby-side relation and separated from one another by first foldlines, said panel defining the sides of a tubular member when said blank is set up, and end closure flaps adjacent one end of said panels; a first of said closure flaps being foldably connected to a first of said panels and extending longitudinally therefrom; a second of said closure flaps being foldably connected to a second panel adjacent to said first panel and extending longitudinally therefrom, said second closure flap having a diagonally disposed second foldline forming said second flap into a first pair of triangular sections, one triangular section being foldably connected to said first flap and the other triangular section being foldably connected to said second panel; a third of said closure flaps being foldably connected to a third panel disposed adjacent to said second panel, said third closure flap having a diagonally disposed third foldline forming said third flap into a second pair of triangular sections, one of the latter sections being foldably connected to a section of said second closure flap and the other of said latter sections being foldably connected to said third panel; and a fourth of said closure flaps being foldably connected to said third closure flap and extending laterally therefrom, said fourth closure flap being longitudinally aligned with, but separated from, a fourth panel adjacent to said third panel.

8. The blank of claim 7 wherein said second and third diagonally disposed foldlines are in spaced substantially parallel relation.

9. The blank of claim 7 wherein said second and third closure flaps are of substantially like configuration.

10. The blank of claim 7 wherein the triangular sections comprising a pair are like right-angle triangles having the hypotenuses thereof foldably interconnected.

11. The blank of claim 7 including a fifth closure flap foldably connected to said first closure flap and extending laterally therefrom, said fifth closure flap being longitudinally aligned with, but spaced from, a fifth panel foldably connected to said first panel, said fifth and second panels being disposed on opposite sides of said first panel.

12. The blank of claim 11 wherein said fifth panel comprises a glue flap.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE l GERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 171 Dated July 3, 19 73 Inventor(s) Terrill L. Nederveld It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Col. 2, line 48 "and" (second occurrence) I should be are col. 3, line 16 "than" should be then col. 3, line 53 "of" should bs or Col. 3, line 57 "wicn" should be with Signed end sealed this 5th day of March 197L (SEAL) Attest: 1

EDWARD M.FLETCHBR,JR. C. MARSHALL DANN- Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents JRM PC4050 (10-69) U'SCOMM-DC 60376-P69 i U GOVIINIIIT PRINTING OIIICI I!" O l-l 

1. A container comprising foldably connected panels forming a tubular member, means for retaining said panels in tubular member-forming relation, and closure flaps foldably connected to predetermined panels and closing one end of said tubular member; said closure flaps including a first flap connected to a first panel and extending transversely therefrom and overlying said one end; a second flap connected to a second panel dispoSed next to said first panel, said second flap having a first pair of triangular sections disposed in overlapping face-to-face relation, one of said triangular sections being foldably connected to said first flap; a third flap connected to a third panel next to said second panel, said third flap having a second pair of triangular sections disposed in overlapping face-to-face relation, one of said second pair of triangular sections being foldably connected to the other of said first pair of triangular sections, one pair of triangular sections being sandwiched between said first flap and the other pair of triangular sections; and a fourth flap foldably connected only to the said third flap and folded relative to said second pair of triangular sections to retain said first, second, and third closure flaps in end-closing relation.
 2. The container of claim 1 wherein corresponding closure flaps of like configuration are foldably connected to the opposite ends of said predetermined panels and close the opposite end of said tubular member.
 3. The container of claim 1 wherein said folded fourth flap extends into the interior of said tubular member and frictionally engages the interior surface of a panel.
 4. The container of claim 3 wherein said closure flaps may be unfolded relative to one another to provide access to the interior of said tubular member and then refolded to effect reclosing of said tubular member one end.
 5. The container of claim 1 including a fifth closure flap foldably connected to said first closure flap and extending into the interior of said tubular member.
 6. The container of claim 1 wherein the triangular sections of a pair are like right-angle triangles disposed in coincident face-to-face relation.
 7. A blank of foldable sheet material for use in forming a container closed at least at one end thereof, said blank comprising a plurality of panels arranged in side-by-side relation and separated from one another by first foldlines, said panel defining the sides of a tubular member when said blank is set up, and end closure flaps adjacent one end of said panels; a first of said closure flaps being foldably connected to a first of said panels and extending longitudinally therefrom; a second of said closure flaps being foldably connected to a second panel adjacent to said first panel and extending longitudinally therefrom, said second closure flap having a diagonally disposed second foldline forming said second flap into a first pair of triangular sections, one triangular section being foldably connected to said first flap and the other triangular section being foldably connected to said second panel; a third of said closure flaps being foldably connected to a third panel disposed adjacent to said second panel, said third closure flap having a diagonally disposed third foldline forming said third flap into a second pair of triangular sections, one of the latter sections being foldably connected to a section of said second closure flap and the other of said latter sections being foldably connected to said third panel; and a fourth of said closure flaps being foldably connected to said third closure flap and extending laterally therefrom, said fourth closure flap being longitudinally aligned with, but separated from, a fourth panel adjacent to said third panel.
 8. The blank of claim 7 wherein said second and third diagonally disposed foldlines are in spaced substantially parallel relation.
 9. The blank of claim 7 wherein said second and third closure flaps are of substantially like configuration.
 10. The blank of claim 7 wherein the triangular sections comprising a pair are like right-angle triangles having the hypotenuses thereof foldably interconnected.
 11. The blank of claim 7 including a fifth closure flap foldably connected to said first closure flap and extending laterally therefrom, said fifth closure flap being longitudinally aligned with, but spaced from, a fifth panel foldably connected to said first panel, said fifth and secoNd panels being disposed on opposite sides of said first panel.
 12. The blank of claim 11 wherein said fifth panel comprises a glue flap. 